6 Imperative Health Issues for Women in the Thirties

Richa Agarwal24. 10. 2016

Life begins at thirty, seems to be new mantra for women but only if you do it right ladies! You feel mighty invincible and rightly so, as you are going places both professionally and personally. It’s the confluence of youth and wisdom at 30 that makes it such a prime time for us. However, it also marks the beginning of many biological changes to our body. While, this is true for men too, women also experience social and cultural changes/expectations that make this 30-39 period especially a defining milestone. With careers, family, friends, spouse and children taking up space, health often takes a back seat (or just left out altogether). But this could be the worst mistake you make as how you invest in your body NOW will decide the tone for you and thus your family’s well-being in the future.

You need to accept the limitations of this human machine and take proper care to maintain its optimal functioning. While you cannot be immune to accidents or unforeseen circumstances, there is still a lot you can do to prepare yourself for the expected slow-down that comes with age. So let us view the various health issues that women face under 6 broad categories and ways to address them.

Weight– One of the most evident or perturbing issue a woman encounters as she enters the 30 zone is gaining a few magical pounds. I say magical as they seem to appear suddenly even though you have made no changes to your diet and lifestyle! Well, the reason behind it is the reduction in metabolic activity which in turn can be attributed to genetic, hormonal or nutritional changes within the body. Due to this, we tend to accumulate more fat and there is also gradual loss of muscle mass.To combat this issue indulging in aerobic activities such as running, swimming and cycling along with strength building routines will not only burn up the piling calories but also raise the muscle mass percentage thereby giving your body a more taut and shapely exterior. Also including leans proteins (fish, nuts), fruits, vegetables and organic foods in your diet and cutting down on fried and processed will help you keep a check on your weight and enhance your metabolism.

Aging skin– What we women fear the most next to ‘have nothing to wear’ is looking old and wrinkly. As we edge onto our thirties, the skin begins to lose its lusture and develops fine lines. This indicates a reduction in the growth hormones and the inability of the cells to repair and regenerate as quickly as it before. If this wasn’t enough, adult acne (yes it’s a real thing) makes a grand entry due to elevated stress levels. Also exposure to sun can cause skin darkening and pigmentation. While they do not directly affect your fitness in any major way, a tired and lifeless face lowers your self-confidence and mental health.Instead of waiting for the damage to be done, start taking preventative measures to keep skin aging at bay. Invest in quality skin care products and a good sunscreen rather than hoard on newest cosmetics. Use gentle and sulfate-free cleansers and follow a simple regime to keep your skin clean and hydrated. You are what you eat so reduce the intake of dairy, sugar and carbohydrate products in your diet. Drinking plenty of water and exercising will keep your skin youthful and fresh.

Reproductive health– It is given that as the body ages, its performance is on the decline and the reproductive health is no exception. With education and career becoming pivotal to women today, many put off marriage and childbearing to later years until they are stable financially. While this may seem necessary for many, it is also important to acknowledge that your body’s fertility is ebbing and take calculated decisions. After the age of 35, getting pregnant maybe a little tricky and frustrating alongside the increased chances of miscarriage or birth defects due to feeble health condition.Not trying to scare you ladies but do not overestimate your body or miscalculate your biological clock. Indulge in healthy habits and good prenatal care to ensure a safe pregnancy. If you face difficulty in conceiving, get in touch with a gynecologist at the earliest and be well informed about your reproductive health. If you are bearing a child, then eat nutritious food, give up smoking and drinking and engage in moderate physical exercises to keep your body toxic-free and fit. Stay away from stress and negativity, surround yourself with loved ones and only good thoughts.

Bone loss– Although un-noticeable at its onset, bone loss can manifest in ugly forms later in life if not treated early. It begins in the early 30s with the hormonal changes in the body due to which the bones lose mass and strength. Complain of aches and stiffness is common in women in this age group. Moving closer to 40 or towards menopause, there is rapid bone loss and results in the bone-thinning disease, better known as osteoporosis. The body ability to make up for the wear and tear of bone cells weakens and a poor eating and lifestyle habits can further hasten the degeneration of the bones.Avoiding menopause or bone loss altogether is not possible but you can adopt some ways to tackle this slow-down more gracefully. As you know Vitamin K is the most important protein for building of bones, so we should try to include food items rich in that or simply take supplements. Vitamin D is vital in trapping calcium so a sufficient level of Vit D should be ensured by eating a calcium rich diet. Try to steer clear from undue stress and do not over tax your body physically.

Stress– Well, this is probably the most fatal of all as it has no symptoms or has a single cause. Education, career, old parents, finances, spouses, children and your own attitude can be a cause of stress to you and those around you. It is not something you do consciously but before you know it becomes a nasty habit. You begin to stress out at small things and then it’s all a snow ball effect. Stress disrupts your mental health and brings about complicated hormonal changes in your biological system, thus upsetting your whole body’s smooth functioning.Remind yourself of this next time you go on a stressing spree and work on it repeatedly. Engaging in a fun physical workout or a hobby can help alleviate your stress levels considerably. Also you could practice yoga or meditation for a more holistic experience. Read motivational and enriching literature to work your brain cells and escape the drama around you. If you are genuinely too worried or depressed, please seek professional help immediately or talk it out with family or friends.

Lifestyle diseases– We are living in very advanced times with such cutting edge inventions and extra-ordinary lifestyle but it all comes at a price and we call it the lifestyle diseases. These ailments lurk behind in the shadows and just when your body shows slight signs of aging or slow down, they are quick to manifest themselves. Diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, breast tumor/cancer, eye/dental problems and urinary infections are common amongst women these days. These diseases may catch you off-guard so it is always better to be prepared and informed.Maintain your family and personal medical records and go for regular check-ups to avoid any surprises (read shocks)! Maintain good hygiene and lead a more disciplined lifestyle to keep your body in check and disease free. Practice safe sex and know your body well. If you sense any irregularities in your body or its functioning, do not hesitate to get a medical opinion.A healthy body is a great blessing, take care of it.